State Highway Dedicated in Honor of Fallen Otsego County Marine

HARTWICK, 10/05/20 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta)  and Assemblyman John Salka (R/C – Brookfield) today dedicated a portion of New York State Route 205 in Otsego County in honor of United States Marine Corps Sergeant John Kempe Winslow.  The state officials were joined by family members, veteran organizations, and community members as they unveiled new highway signs memorializing the fallen hero.

Senator James L. Seward said, “Every man and woman who dons a United States military uniform sacrifices for our nation and our way of life.  Sergeant Winslow made the ultimate sacrifice and we owe it to him, his family, and the entire Hartwick community to keep his memory alive.  I am proud to have played a role in establishing this special highway designation that helps symbolize our appreciation for a fallen hero.  As motorists travel through Hartwick and see the signs commemorating Sergeant Winslow I hope they are reminded of his valor, courage, and service to our nation.”

Assemblyman John Salka said, “We are humbled and honored along with Senator Seward to dedicate this portion of the highway in Hartwick in memory of Marine Sergeant John Kempe Winslow. Thank you to all of our men and women who serve, as we dedicate this section of highway, we take a moment to pause and thank you for the sacrifices that you have made.”

Sergeant John Kempe Winslow was a life-long resident of Hartwick and a decorated Marine Sergeant who served two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart during his first tour.  Tragically, Sergeant Winslow was killed in action on July 30, 1969.

The legislation sponsored by Senator Seward and Assemblyman Salka designates the portion of New York State Route 205 running through the Hamlet of Hartwick, Sergeant Winslow’s hometown, as the “Sergeant John Kempe Winslow Memorial Highway.”

The special highway designation was requested by the Town of Hartwick, Hartwick American Legion Post 1567, Cooperstown American Legion Post 579, and Cooperstown VFW Post 7128.

Legislation (S.3658/A.6670) sponsored by Senator Seward and Assemblyman Salka renaming the portion of New York State Route 205 was approved by the legislature and signed into law in 2019.

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